Lithium CR1632 3.0V Battery
Lithium CR1632 battery is a non-rechargeable button/coin cell battery based on the manganese-dioxide lithium chemistry, featuring a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts.
Lithium CR1632 battery is a very popular battery, commonly used as a key fob battery, remote devices, thermometers, toys, calculators, digital watches, CMOS battery, and similar. It is quite a common battery and easy to obtain. But, it also comes with different labels, causing some confusion among the users.
Updated: October 4, 2024.
Lithium CR1632 Battery Features and Specifications
Lithium CR1632 battery features physical dimensions of (D x H) 16.0 x 3.2 mm (~0.63 x 0.126 inch), hence the "1632" part of its label.
Letters "CR" means that it is a round battery (hence "R") and features a non-rechargeable manganese-dioxide lithium chemistry.
It should not be confused with rechargeable 3.0V manganese lithium chemistry, labeled as an "ML" battery, or rechargeable 3.0V vanadium lithium batteries, labeled as a VL1632 battery.
Note: rechargeable 3.0V ML1632 batteries, and especially VL1632 batteries, are very rare, but we mention them just in case.
CR1632 battery is an "official" label (according to IEC standard), but there are other labels in use as well, like DL1632 (by Duracell), ECR1632 (by Energizer), and similar.
CR1632 battery features a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts and a cutoff voltage of ~2.0 volts. However, cutoff voltage often depends on the cutoff voltage of the device being powered by a CR1632 battery.
Similarly, the nominal capacity of the CR1632 batteries is around 120-140 mAh, with the standard discharge current being around 0.1-0.2 mA.
Actual capacity depends on the temperature and the drain current. Manganese-dioxide lithium chemistry tolerates well pulse drain applications (for example, wrist watches with alarms or LED lights, key fobs, and other small devices), but the frequent use of such applications may shorten operating life significantly.
The operating temperature of CR1632 batteries is usually in the -20°C to 60°C range, with some models being able to withstand temperatures between -30°C and 85°C, with some models supporting temperatures between -40°C and +125°C. Of course, there are certain limitations in performance at extreme temperature ranges.
When CR1632 batteries are used at room temperature, they feature a very low self-discharge rate, with some models having a self-discharge rate of ≤1% per year and a shelf life of 10+ years.
BR1632 Batteries vs. CR1632 Batteries
BR1632 batteries are round button/coin cell batteries of the same physical dimensions as CR1632 batteries but featuring carbon-monofluoride lithium chemistry that offers somewhat different performances.
The nominal voltage of BR1632 batteries is also 3.0V (older types had a nominal voltage of around 2.8 volts), the cutoff voltage is 2.0V (older types had a cut off voltage of ~2.25 volts), and the nominal capacity is 110-120 mAh, with a continuous drain current of "only" 0.03 mA.
Also, carbon-monofluoride lithium chemistry doesn't tolerate pulse currents very well.
But, carbon-monofluoride lithium chemistry offers a somewhat longer shelf life (10+ years), and a wider temperature range. For example, the Panasonic BR1632 battery features an operating temperature range between -30°C and +85°C, while the Panasonic BR1632A battery features an operating temperature range between -40°C and +125°C.
In order to mount the batteries, some BR1632 and CR1632 batteries come with soldering tabs, simplifying the replacement of the old BR1632/CR1632 batteries.
Note: If You need CR/BR batteries with soldering tabs, buy one - do NOT try to solder the tabs at home since it will, in the best case, destroy the battery.
Rechargeable CR1632 Lithium-ion Battery - LiR1632 Battery
There is no such thing as "Rechargeable CR1632 Lithium-ion Battery" - there is a rechargeable lithium-ion button/coin 1632 battery, with the most common label of "LiR1632 battery".
Note: We have already mentioned rechargeable ML1632 and VL1632 batteries, which are very rare.
LiR1632 batteries may be recharged hundreds of times, but they also feature lower capacity, higher self-discharge rate, and nominal voltage that depends on the exact lithium-ion chemistry and that varies between 3.2 and 3.7 volts.
As said before, rechargeable 1632 batteries may also come in manganese lithium chemistry (ML1632, 3.0 volts) and vanadium lithium chemistry (VL1632, 3.0 volts) - all these batteries should be recharged with the battery chargers designed for such batteries, or they can, again in the best case, overheat and burst to flames.
The nominal capacity of rechargeable 1632 batteries is:
- VL1632 battery: 25 mAh,
- ML1632 battery: 40 mAh,
- LiR1632 battery: 70 mAh.
Again, capacity depends on the temperature, current drain, number of charging/discharging cycles, and similar.
Lithium 1632 Batteries Cross Reference Chart
The following comparison chart lists some of the most common button/coin 16 x 3.2 mm batteries with their most important features and specifications.
| Battery Datasheet |
Capacity | Operating Temperature | Annual Self-Discharge Rate | Discharge Current |
| Duracell CR1632 | 145 mAh over 15kΩ down to 2.0V @20°C | -20°C to +60°C | ≤1% @20°C | 0.2mA std. cont. 4mA max. cont. 10mA max. pulse |
| EEMB CR1632 | 130 mAh over 30kΩ down to 2.0V | -20°C to +70°C | ≤3% @20°C | - |
| EEMB CR1632L | 120 mAh over 30kΩ down to 2.0V | -40°C to +70°C | ≤3% @20°C | - |
| EEMB CR1632S | 110 mAh over 30kΩ down to 2.0V | -40°C to +125°C | ≤3% @20°C | - |
| EEMB LiR1632 | 30 mAh @0.2C from 3.7V down to 2.75V | -20°C to +60°C | - | 0.2C (6mA) std. cont. 1.0C (30mA) max. cont. |
| Energizer CR1632 | 130 mAh over 15kΩ down to 2.0V @21°C | -30°C to +60°C | ~1% @21°C | 0.19mA over 15kΩ @2.9V @21°C 6.8mA over 400Ω @2.7V 2sec 12x day @21°C |
| GP Batteries 1632 | 140 mAh over 15kΩ down to 2.0V @23°C | -10°C to +60°C | - | - |
| Maxell CR1632 | 140 mAh | -20°C to +85°C | - | 0.1mA std. cont. |
| Panasonic BR1632 | 120 mAh over 30kΩ down to 2.25V @20°C | -30°C to +85°C | - | 0.03mA std. cont. |
| Panasonic BR1632A | 120 mAh over 30kΩ @20°C | -40°C to +125°C | - | 0.03mA std. cont. |
| Panasonic CR1632 | 140 mAh over 15kΩ down to 2.0V @20°C | -30°C to +85°C | - | 0.1mA std. cont. |
| Renata CR1632 | 137 mAh | -40°C to +85°C | ≤1% @23°C | 0.2mA std. cont. 1.5mA max. cont. |
Of course, there are many other models on the market.
CR1632 Battery Safety Issues
Modern round coin-cell 1632 batteries are practically free of mercury and other heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.), and as such, they are not "toxic."
But, if swallowed, body fluids can short-circuit the battery, causing various electrolytic reactions in the body that can produce strong acids and other chemicals that can badly hurt (chemical burns) and even kill humans and animals.
That is why CR1632 and similar batteries come in so-called "child-proof" packages.
However, if a child or pet swallows CR1632 or any similar battery, immediately call the nearest emergency center, explain what happened, and act according to their instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CR1632 batteries.
How long does the lithium coin CR1632 battery last?
The lithium coin CR1632 battery typically lasts about 8 to 10 years in storage due to its low self-discharge rate.
When in use, the battery lifespan depends on the device's power consumption but generally lasts between 2 to 12, sometimes more, months in devices like key fobs, small electronics, or watches.
What factors affect CR1632 battery life?
Several factors affect the CR1632 battery life.
In storage, temperature and humidity play a key role - higher temperatures and moisture can accelerate the self-discharge rate, shortening the battery’s shelf life.
In use, factors like the device’s power consumption, frequency of use, and the battery’s load affect its life. Continuous or heavy usage drains the battery faster, while intermittent or low-power usage extends its life.
DL1632 Battery vs. CR1632: Is there a difference between CR and DL batteries?
DL1632 battery is Duracell manufactured CR1632 battery, which is a very fine battery with good capacity, very low self-discharge rate, wide operating temperature, stable voltage, and is able to provide strong current pulses, making it very good choice for both low- and high-discharge applications.
Similarly, many Duracell's lithium button/coin batteries instead of "CR+number," are labeled using "DL+number" notation.
Can I use a CR2025 or CR2032 in place of a CR1632 battery?
You cannot directly replace a CR1632 battery with a CR2025 or CR2032 because they differ in diameter and thickness.
While all three batteries have the same voltage (3V), the CR2025 and CR2032 are wider and thicker, which prevent them from fitting properly in devices designed for the thinner CR1632.
What brands make reliable CR1632 battery equivalents?
Reliable brands that make CR1632 battery equivalents include Energizer, Panasonic, Duracell, Sony, Renata, etc.
These brands are known for producing high-quality lithium coin batteries with consistent performance, long shelf life, and dependable power for various devices like watches, key fobs, and small electronics.
Long Story Short: CR1632 batteries are very popular batteries that can be easily found at almost any hardware store or online shop.
When looking for new CR16232 batteries, go for batteries from reputable manufacturers that have been tested by countless users in real-life applications. Some of the most popular models include (Amazon links, the links open in the new window):
- LiCB CR1632 Lithium 3.0V Battery
- Energizer CR1632 Lithium 3.0V Battery
- Duracell CR1632 Lithium 3.0V Battery
Such batteries often offer the best value for the money. Also, although modern CR1632 batteries don't contain mercury and similar heavy and toxic elements, they should be disposed of properly.